OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators have locked up a big piece of their young core by signing Josh Norris to an eight-year, US$63.6-million contract.

The 23-year-old led the Senators with 35 goals in 2021-22 and was third on the team with 55 points in 82 games.

Norris was selected in the first round, 19th overall, by the Senators in the 2017 NHL draft.

He has 90 points (52 goals, 38 assists) and 29 penalty minutes in 125 career games with the Senators.

The native of Oxford, Mich., teamed with Senators captain Brady Tkachuk to lead the United States to gold at the 2017 world men's under-18 hockey championship. He also helped the Americans win bronze at the 2018 world junior championship, and had three goals and six assists in seven games when the Americans took silver a year later.

Norris will return to a revamped Ottawa offence next season that added top-six forwards Alex DeBrincat and Claude Giroux.

“We’re very pleased to come to a long-term agreement with Josh,” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said in a statement. “He’s a versatile forward who continues to mature into an exceptional NHL player. 

"His scoring prowess has already shown to be a considerable asset for us and one that will help us reach the next level. His dedication and the pride he takes in his physical conditioning will serve as a great example for our next wave of young players."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2022.

The Canadian Press